EPA takes action against Bali Hai Villas Ltd. to protect coastal waters / $63,000 fine for stormwater violations is second in four years

(12/11/08) HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently accepted a settlement with Bali Hai Villas Ltd., including $63,000 in penalties for failing to comply with Clean Water Act stormwater control requirements at its condominium construction project in Princeville, Kauai.

The company failed to adequately and completely implement stormwater pollution controls outlined in its stormwater pollution control plan at the construction site. Construction work has since been completed at the site.

“As this company was previously cited for similar violations, they are paying a significantly larger penalty this time,” said Alexis Strauss, Water Division director for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Construction projects must have pollution controls in place. Erosion and sedimentation cause severe pollution problems for our coastal waters, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems.”

In September 2007, EPA inspectors found the company had failed to install adequate control measures to prevent soil and sediment-filled stormwater from running off the site. Specifically, the inspectors cited deficiencies with the site's sediment trap, silt fences, litter control and other measures to control stormwater runoff.

The EPA then issued an order in January 2008 that required the company to install soil stabilization and erosion and sediment controls at all locations of exposed soil and at locations where stormwater runoff could leave the project site. The company also needed to repair its silt fence, protect soil stockpiles from runoff, provide a contained and lined concrete wash area, and clean up litter on the site. The company has complied with EPA’s enforcement order.

In 2004, EPA and Department of Health inspectors found similar violations at the site, and the company agreed to correct the violations and paid a fine of $15,000.